From a Million Holiday Lights to Heated Pools, Here’s Why This Luxe Resort Is Pennsylvania’s Favorite Winter Destination

As the cold sets in, every Philadelphian starts to dream of escape from those chilly city gusts and the daily winter doldrums. The ideal winter vacation replaces city streets with a blend of the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes and the excitement of seasonal festivities and luxurious accommodations.

It’s the best of both worlds: thrilling outdoor experiences amid the snowy scenery, paired with warmth and indulgence when the temperatures drop. In Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, there’s a place that brings this vision to life. Nemacolin, a sprawling resort nestled among 2,200 acres of wooded beauty, has become the premier winter getaway in the state. Visitors are driving and flying to the resort for everything from its holiday decorations to its cozy interiors to an abundance of exciting cold-weather activities.

To find out why Nemacolin has become the go-to place for all kinds of winter experiences, we took a deeper look at the famous resort. From what we saw, the resort isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an immersive experience that transforms the ordinary winter vacation into something magical.

Creating a Winter Wonderland

The holiday season at Nemacolin is a feast for the senses, a captivating display that envelops visitors in a festive, whimsical atmosphere. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, Nemacolin doesn’t take shortcuts. From the moment guests step onto the property, they’re greeted with a spectacle of lights and seasonal charm, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay.

The resort’s Hardy’s Holiday Village, which runs from late November to just before Christmas (Santa needs to get back to the North Pole), epitomizes this sense of holiday magic. Picture walking through snow-dusted streets lined with glowing lights, where every corner of the property exudes a festive spirit. Inside and out, there are twinkling lights, intricate holiday displays (including Hanukkah-focused decorations), and unique shopping experiences. Guests can visit cozy holiday shops and take in live performances by elves as they break into choreographed renditions of classic Christmas carols​.

In addition to the traditional holiday offerings, Hardy’s Holiday Village also brings the magic of European holiday markets to life, complete with delightful seasonal treats like hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies​. The themed spaces throughout the resort—such as Santa’s House, a whimsical wonderland for family photos and holiday fun—add to the resort’s charm, making it feel as though the magic of the season is just outside the door. Whether you’re exploring the twinkling outdoor paths or relaxing by a roaring fire, every inch of Nemacolin during the holidays invites guests to celebrate the season in a way that feels both enchanting and intimate.

But what sets the resort apart is its interior decor, designed to immerse visitors in a holiday wonderland. Each room at Nemacolin receives its own Christmas tree, carefully selected and adorned to reflect the theme of the space. This commitment to creating a festive atmosphere extends throughout the property, with different rooms and common areas designed to transport guests to a different world of holiday cheer. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows in many of the rooms, guests can wake up each morning to a panoramic view of the property’s sparkling decorations and surrounding woodlands—making it feel as though they’ve stepped into a snow globe.

The specific accommodations at Nemacolin further elevate this experience. From the elegant and modern The Grand Lodge, where all-suite rooms with breathtaking views offer the perfect mix of woodsy charm and luxury​, to the sophisticated Falling Rock, an Art Deco-inspired hotel that provides unmatched opulence and privacy exclusive for guests 16 and older, each property is designed to enhance the sense of seasonal splendor​. And for families or large groups, The Chateau offers versatile suite options, including adjoining rooms, to ensure a seamless and luxurious stay​. Whether you’re looking for seclusion, grandeur, or family-friendly accommodations, Nemacolin’s array of lodging options ensures a stay that feels both festive and deeply personal.

Embracing the Cold–by Staying Warm

When winter’s chill sets in, there’s no better place to be than Nemacolin, where a host of amenities ensure that guests stay warm and comfortable while still immersing themselves in the outdoors. While the resort’s holiday offerings create a festive atmosphere, Nemacolin goes beyond decoration to ensure a cozy retreat for those looking to embrace the season. Whether it’s gathering by the firepit or enjoying the comforting heat of the spa, Nemacolin ensures that every guest can find their ideal escape from the cold. 

One of the resort’s standout features is its heated year-round outdoor pools and hot tub at The Peak, which provide an idyllic way to enjoy the crisp air while remaining toasty warm. Picture yourself relaxing in a heated pool, surrounded by the stillness of snow-covered trees as winter’s chill contrasts with the warmth of the water​. These amenities make the resort a perfect spot for those who want to embrace the cold but also indulge in relaxation.

Additionally, the resort’s fire pits and private cabanas offer a welcoming respite after a day of outdoor adventures. At The Peak, guests can gather around a roaring fire to warm up with a delicious winter cocktail, such as the resort’s Warm Winter (a blend of Baileys Irish Cream and hot chocolate), or a Spiced Rum Sangria for those seeking a touch of spice​. Many of the resort’s accommodations also offer in-room fireplaces for an intimate, warm experience right in your suite, and the cozy, intimate spaces provide the perfect setting to unwind after a day of fun-filled winter activities. 

(Not Just) Riding Out the Cold

Nemacolin has perfected the art of winter adventure. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to hit the slopes or someone who enjoys the peaceful solitude of a snowshoeing trek, the resort offers a variety of experiences designed to take full advantage of its stunning winter landscape. 

For skiing enthusiasts, Nemacolin provides a winter wonderland with access to six slopes ranging from beginner to expert​. The resort offers lift tickets, rentals, and even private lessons for those looking to perfect their technique. After dark, the fun continues on the illuminated trails, where guests can enjoy the slopes long after the sun sets. For those seeking a slightly different experience, the resort also offers Sno-Go—a ski bike that combines the motions of skiing with the ease of a bike for a unique adventure on the slopes​.

Beyond skiing, Nemacolin is home to everyone’s favorite snow sports. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer a slower, more serene way to experience the resort’s breathtaking landscapes. Guests can glide across the property, taking in the beauty of the woods while engaging in these low-impact, invigorating activities​.

If you’re looking for something more exhilarating, snow tubing offers fast-paced fun for everyone. Six lanes of tubing await, with a conveyor lift that takes guests to the top of the slope, where they can race down 700 feet of snowy terrain​. And for animal lovers, there’s the chance to embark on an unforgettable dogsledding adventure. Whether there’s snow or not, guests can take a ride on a sled pulled by a team of sled dogs, gliding across the snow or rolling over the terrain with a special wheeled sled called a Touri Cart​.

Each of these activities adds to the rich variety of winter experiences available at Nemacolin, making it a truly versatile destination for anyone seeking to make the most of the cold season. After all, it’s Nemacolin’s ability to combine a breathtaking natural setting, world-class accommodations, and a vast array of winter activities that makes it the premier winter destination in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays, looking to stay warm while enjoying the winter weather, or seeking out thrilling cold-weather activities, the resort has something to make the winter magical, exciting, and cozy for every guest.